D-Shaped Connectors - Centronics

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
DX30-36P(50) Hirose	IDC CONN 36POS PLUG	0
FX2CA2-68P-1.27DSAL(71) Hirose	CONN HDR 68POS 1.27MM	0
FX2B-20SA-1.27R Hirose	CONN SOCKET 20POS 1.27MM (4PCS)	384
FX2B-32P-1.27DSA(71) Hirose	CONN HEADER VERT 32POS 1.27MM	0
FX2CA-120S-1.27DSAL(71) Hirose	CONN RECEPT 120POS 1.27MM	0
112-014-113R001 NorComp	CONN SCSI PLUG 14POS R/A SOLDER	78
1-5229912-1 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN PLUG 50POS R/A IDC	128
10220-55G3PC 3M	CONN RCPT 20POS R/A SOLDER	542
FX2CA1-68P-1.27DSA(71) Hirose	CONN HEADER VERT 68POS 1.27MM	0
FX2C-20P-1.27DSA(71) Hirose	CONN HEADER VERT 20POS 1.27MM	101
FX2-40S-1.27DS(71) Hirose	CONN BTB RCPT 40POS R/A SOLDER	0
5557932-2 TE Connectivity AMP Connectors	CONN RCPT 50POS R/A SOLDER	122
FX2B-60P-1.27DSAL(71) Hirose	CONN HDR 60POS 1.27MM	0
10120-6000EC 3M	CONN PLUG 20POS STR IDC	139
3572-1001 3M	CONN PLUG 14POS STR IDC	347
10250-55G3PC 3M	CONN RCPT 50POS R/A SOLDER	0
FX2B-40SA-1.27R(02) Hirose	CONN RECEPT 40POS 1.27MM	126
112-024-213R001 NorComp	CONN SCSI RCPT 24POS R/A SOLDER	298
FX2-40P-1.27SV(71) Hirose	CONN PLUG 40POS SMD SOLDER	70
10236-55G3PC 3M	CONN RCPT 36POS R/A SOLDER	104

D-Shaped Connectors - Centronics

1. Overview

D-Shaped connectors, named for their distinctive trapezoidal metal shield, are widely used in computing and industrial applications. The Centronics interface, a subset of D-shaped connectors, was originally developed by Centronics Data Computer Corp. for parallel printing. These connectors enable robust electrical and mechanical connections, playing a critical role in legacy systems and specialized industrial equipment despite the rise of USB and wireless technologies.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
Standard Centronics	36-pin configuration, unshielded, 5A max current	Legacy inkjet/dot matrix printers
High-Density Centronics	50-pin configuration, improved EMI shielding	Industrial automation systems
Locking Centronics	Threaded screws for vibration resistance	Medical imaging equipment

3. Structure and Composition

Centronics connectors feature: - Metal shell (zinc alloy or aluminum) for EMI protection - Insulating housing (high-temperature nylon) - Contact pins (phosphor bronze with gold plating) - Screw locking mechanism (optional) The standard 36-pin design includes 20 signal pins and 16 ground pins, arranged in staggered rows to prevent misalignment.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Value/Range	Importance
Pin Count	24-50 pins	Determines data transmission capacity
Current Rating	1-10A per pin	Defines power handling capability
Contact Resistance	10m	Ensures signal integrity
Dielectric Strength	1000VAC rms	Prevents electrical breakdown
Operating Temperature	-40 C to +85 C	Guarantees performance stability

5. Application Fields

Major industries include: - Office equipment (printers, scanners) - Industrial automation (CNC machines, PLCs) - Medical devices (diagnostic equipment) - Legacy military systems - Test & measurement instruments

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Products
Amphenol	Centronics 36-8051 Series
Molex	50-87-1360 High-Density Connector
TE Connectivity	DuraCon Centronics 24

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations: - Match pin count and spacing (0.05"-0.1" pitch) - Choose appropriate current rating with 20% safety margin - Select locking mechanism type (standard screws vs. quick-release) - Confirm environmental ratings (IP40 minimum for industrial) - Verify compatibility with existing cabling infrastructure

8. Industry Trends

Current trends include: - Transition to hybrid connectors supporting USB-C and Ethernet - Development of miniaturized D-sub variants (e.g., Micro-Centronics) - Increased adoption of gold-plated contacts for high-reliability applications - Phasing out in consumer electronics, but stable demand in industrial sectors - Integration with PoE (Power over Ethernet) systems for combined data/power delivery